When you need a taste of white sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters, there’s no better place to visit than Staniel Cay. Nestled in the heart of the Exuma Cays, this coastal oasis offers beautiful beaches and laid-back island vibes.
Measuring only about two square miles in area, this tiny escape is easy to explore by foot, bike, or golf cart, but getting there requires some coordination. You’ll have to travel by boat or plane to reach this scenic island, but your effort in planning the trip will pay off tenfold.
To help you get started, we’ve created this quick guide explaining your options for traveling to Staniel Cay and how to get around once you’ve arrived on the island.
Flying to Staniel Cay
Photo Credit: muratart
Commercial Flights
To access this small island by plane, you typically need to start your journey on a larger commercial airline, flying into major airports such as Nassau and Fort Lauderdale. From there, you’ll connect on a flight with one of the regional carriers that flies directly through the area. These are some of your best flight carrier options for Stanial Cay.
Makers Air
Makers Air offers daily flights from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in Florida directly to the Staniel Cay Airport. This airline recently merged with Staniel Air and offers a fleet of planes able to accommodate up to 9 passengers.
Titan Air
Titan Air, a small, family-owned aircraft fleet, offers daily flights out of Nassau. These short flights take about 35 minutes.
Flamingo Air
Flamingo Air offers the most departure options, flying throughout the Bahamas and Caribbean. It also offers flights originating from Orlando, FL.
Private Charters
Photo Credit: Dabarti CGI
If you’re looking for the ultimate first-class experience, you can book a private charter flight. These trips typically include personal concierge service and in-flight catering options.
- Makers Air: In addition to offering commercial flights, Makers Air also offers a private charter aboard a Cessna Grand Caravan EX, with luxurious seating for up to 8 passengers.
- Monarch Air Group: This private charter offers a wide selection of aircraft, with some of the larger options able to accommodate up to 16 guests.
- Evojets: This airline offers an even larger variety of private charters, including the option to charter an entire airliner for larger groups.
Getting to Staniel Cay by Boat
Photo Credit: Alexander Chaikin
There is no public ferry service traveling to Staniel Cay. To access this small island by boat you’ll either need to provide your own private boat, or charter a boat or yacht.
Private Boats
If you’re lucky enough to have your own boat, getting to Staniel Cay is as simple as casting off into the open sea. Located about 75 miles southeast of Nassau, this small island has ample space to dock along the banks, and Staniel Cay Yacht Club has a marina with 18 slips.
Before embarking on your boat ride, be sure you’re equipped with a GPS chart plotter, as well as reliable guidebooks and paper charts in case electronic equipment fails you. Be mindful of where you anchor. The best bottoms consist of deep, white sand (steer clear of sandbars) and should not be in or around coral reefs or grassy areas.
Boat Rentals
Having a boat on the island opens up a lot of possibilities. Popular attractions like the swimming pigs of Pig Beach on Big Major Cay, the prehistoric iguanas of Allen Cay, and the nurse sharks of Compass Cay are easy day trips when you have access to a boat. If you don’t own a boat, it’s easy to find one available for rent in Staniel Cay. You’ll find a variety of boat rental options available, from small skiffs to larger vessels.
Upon booking a stay in one of our luxury homes and villas, making arrangements for a boat rental is extremely easy.
Here at Staniel Rental, we offer a number of options for boat rentals, including 4 hour, 6 hour, and 8 hour rentals. Our boat rentals include the services of a local captain who is familiar with the area and can easily guide you to the best spots for snorkeling and fishing.
Yacht Charters
Photo Credit: Lucia.Pinto
If you’re in search of a more luxurious travel experience, you’ll find a few options on the island to book a yacht charter.
Yacht Charter Fleet
Yacht Charter Feet hosts listings for a variety of yachts available for weekly rental in the Bahamas. From small catamarans to large luxurious yachts, you’re sure to find something to suit your travel needs.
WorldWide Boat
Worldwide Boat offers even more options for yacht charters, including some that are capable of hosting as many as 12 guests. Their extensive selection and commitment to personal service help provide the ultimate charter experience.
Getting Around the Island
Once you’ve reached the island, you’ll need to find a way to get around. While everything on the island is a 10-15-minute walk, golf carts, and bicycles are the preferred methods of transportation here.
Golf Cart
Photo Credit: New Africa
Renting a golf cart is one of the easiest ways to get around the island. With its easy navigation and open-air design, you can experience the island’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace. At Staniel Rental, we offer daily golf cart rentals for both 4 and 6-seater golf carts starting at just $100 per day.
Bicycle Rental
Photo Credit: EF Stock
Those who enjoy being active may find a bike the best way to get around on the island. There are several paths and trails on the island that aren’t accessible to golf carts, making bikes a great way to fully explore the island. Rentals are available in both a half and full day rental.
Recreational Water Vehicle Rentals
Photo Credit: JonMilnes
In addition to getting around on land on the island, you may want to have an aquatic adventure off the shores. If you’re looking to get your thrills on the open ocean, check out our Wave Runner rentals.
Staniel Rentals also offers Sea Bob rentals. These underwater scooters are perfect for visiting Thunderball Grotto, the underwater cave system made famous by the James Bond movie. You can use scuba diving gear to extend your time underwater and fully immerse yourself in marine life.
What to Know Before You Go
Once you’ve figured out transportation, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when planning your trip to the island.
- Identification: Be sure to have up-to-date travel documentation available. This includes passports, visas, and any necessary customs and immigration information.
- Weather: Be sure to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack appropriate clothing.
- SPF: The Bahamian sun can get rather intense, so be sure to bring plenty of high-SPF sunscreen and protective clothing/hats.
- Practice water safety: Swim in designated areas only, be aware of your surroundings, wear life jackets, or use other approved floatation devices if you’re not an experienced swimmer.
- Bring Cash: Keep in mind there are no ATMS or banks on Staniel Cay. Make sure to bring enough cash to pay for food, tours and other necessities.
Book Your Stay in Staniel Cay
Now that you know how to get there, it’s time to plan to visit Staniel Cay. Let us here at Staniel Rentals help you plan the perfect island escape. From pairing you with the perfect beach bungalow to helping you plan your excursions and beyond, we’ve got you covered!